Your next four-wheeled adventure awaits in Forest County! Known as one of Wisconsin’s top motorsports destinations, Forest County is home to over 70 miles of ATV/UTV trails and routes. From Crandon to Carter to Mole Lake, buckle up and enjoy the fun as we discover the trails, traditions, and treasures of Forest County.
Crandon
Kick your four-wheeled adventure into high gear in Crandon, where history and horsepower come together!
Claim to Fame
As a community hub of Forest County, Crandon’s biggest claim to fame is the Crandon International Raceway, a legendary off-road short-course race track. What makes it legendary? It just so happens to be the world’s longest, largest, and fastest short-course off-road race track.
Each year, Crandon welcomes race fans to the track to experience two can’t-miss events: the Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run and the Crandon World Championships. Once you’ve experienced the Brush Run in June, you’ll want to come back for the World Championships in September—after all, it is the pinnacle of off-road racing! Held annually over Labor Day weekend, this four-day event brings the highest level of competition to the track—and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Must-Ride Trails
Ready to ride? Crandon is the perfect place to begin your ATV/UTV adventure. Need a rental? Check out Northwoods Powersports Adventures, then hit the trails! Forest County is home to three state trails, and Crandon offers direct access to two of them. The Valley Trail starts right here, runs right along the track, and continues west. The Wolf River State Trail also starts in Crandon and heads south toward Langlade County.
Local Stops
After all that riding, refuel at one of Crandon’s welcoming local stops. Stop by Tricia’s Bistro for coffee, breakfast, or lunch, pull in for one of the best burgers at Yeti’s Drive-In, and save room for dessert at Eats & Treats.
Carter
Continue your four-wheeled adventure in Carter, where trails meet tribal traditions, specifically of the Forest County Potawatomi Community.
Scenic Routes
The Nicolet State Trail, the third state trail in Forest County, serves as the main corridor for ATV/UTV riders, connecting to neighboring trail systems and communities. Built on a former railroad grade, it winds through beautiful hardwood forests and alongside scenic creeks and rivers.
Want to keep the adventure going? Continue north all the way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or ride connecting routes to explore even more of Forest County’s extensive trail network, maintained by the dedicated Forest County ATV Association.
Stay and Play
When you’re ready to trade the trail for a little play? Pull into the Potawatomi Casino Hotel and make a night of it with an amazing stay-and-play package. Aside from the variety of games, the on-site restaurant, Rock & Brews, offers fresh, handcrafted food, 24 varieties of beer on tap, and even live music!
Cultural Stops
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out more cultural stops, including the sacred 27,000-square-foot Carter Powwow Grounds, where the community comes together to connect and celebrate throughout the year. Many are open to the public and offer an amazing opportunity to experience the culture firsthand through music, dance, and more.
Up next, visit the Potawatomi Farm, which provides a natural, sustainable source of food for the community. Visitors are welcome to shop locally made products and take a free walking tour during the summer and fall. Along the way, you’ll meet the farm animals, including a herd of bison. Keep an eye out for the rare white bison!
For a little indoor recreation, stop by the state-of-the-art Potawatomi Community Center, symbolically shaped as an eagle. Inside, there is an aquatic center, indoor turf field, courts, and more. Just down the road is the Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center, a must-stop for history lovers. Take a deeper look into the history, art, and enduring spirit of the people known as the Keeper of the Fire.
Mole Lake
Last but certainly not least, discover Mole Lake on four wheels, where scenic trails lead to the culture and traditions of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community.
The Ride
First up: the ride! On the list of trails is the Mole Lake Loop, which takes you around the gorgeous Oak Lake. Follow the trail to the Mole Lake Casino Lodge Event Center—our next stop! Did you know it’s one of the only casinos in Wisconsin where you can play at 18? It’s true, and it’s a must-stop, offering bingo, modern slots, and a full schedule of live music and entertainment. Not to mention, there is a delicious restaurant on site called Wiisini-Daa, which is the Ojibwe word for “Let’s eat!”
The Community
Before wrapping up your four-wheeled adventure, take time to learn more about the Sokaogon Chippewa Community—proud protectors of the water. They have called this area home for generations, with a rich history tied to the water and to manoomin—wild rice—the food that grows on water. From the water to the wild rice, come and discover Mole Lake and the greater Forest County area.
–
Forest County is calling your name! From the roar of the engines in Crandon to the winding trails near Carter and the beautiful waters of Mole Lake, there’s so much to explore in this part of the state. So, buckle up and start your four-wheeled adventure this season as you experience the trails, traditions, and hidden treasures that make Forest County a must-ride destination in the Northwoods.
–
Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
